And God said vnto Iacob, Arise, goe vp to Bethel, and dwel there: and make there an Altar vnto God, that appeared vnto thee, when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Genesis 35:1 (KJV)
Historical Context: Genesis 35 takes place after Jacob’s return to the land of Canaan. In the previous chapter, Genesis 34 describes the Shechem incident, and Jacob had reconciled with his brother Esau after many years of separation. The narrative now begins with God’s command to Jacob to go to Bethel, the place where God previously appeared to him in the plains of Moreh before he fled from Esau.
The Call to Arise: God initiates the conversation with Jacob, telling him to arise and go up to Bethel. The word “arise” signifies a call to action and implies a sense of urgency, indicating that God has a specific purpose for Jacob in Bethel.
Bethel: Bethel holds significant spiritual importance in Jacob’s life. It was at Bethel that Jacob had his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven with angels ascending and descending (Genesis 28:10‑22). There God made a covenant with Jacob, promising to be with him, bless him, and give him the land on which he lay. Returning to Bethel serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the renewal of Jacob’s commitment to God.
Dwell in Bethel: God instructs Jacob to dwell in Bethel. Although Jacob’s stay was brief—he departed for Ephrath shortly after (Genesis 35:16)—the instruction underscores that Bethel is a place where Jacob is to establish a more permanent spiritual presence.
Making an Altar: God commands Jacob to make an altar to Him in Bethel. Altars were places of worship and sacrifice, where people offered their prayers and offerings to God. By building an altar, Jacob acknowledges God’s presence, expresses his devotion, and seeks communion with God.
God’s Past Appearance: God reminds Jacob of His previous appearance to him when he fled from Esau. This reminder emphasizes God’s protection, guidance, and faithfulness throughout Jacob’s life and highlights the significance of returning to Bethel to reconnect with God and reaffirm his faith.
Application:
Just as God called Jacob to arise and go to Bethel, believers should be attentive to God’s leading in their own lives. God often calls us to specific places or tasks to fulfill His purposes. Bethel represents a place of encounter with God; we can seek places of spiritual significance to connect with Him, reflect on His faithfulness, and renew our commitment. Making an altar symbolizes our worship and devotion; we can create personal altars by setting aside intentional times and spaces for prayer, worship, and communion with God. Remembering God’s past appearances and experiences of His faithfulness encourages trust in the present and future, deepening our faith and strengthening our relationship with Him. Study the surrounding verses and consult additional resources for a fuller understanding of Genesis 35 and its broader biblical significance.
